Ceasefire in Tatters: Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodia Amid Escalating Border Clashes
Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodian military positions early Monday morning, marking the collapse of a US-brokered peace deal signed just weeks ago.
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| Image Source: Visegrad 24 |
The strikes follow weeks of rising tensions along the disputed border, and come after Thailand suspended participation in the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords—an agreement facilitated by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. That deal had followed a five-day conflict in July that left dozens dead and displaced over 200,000.
Cambodia has denied launching any attacks, accusing Thailand of initiating the violence and engaging in “provocative actions for many days.” Phnom Penh’s Ministry of National Defense dismissed the Thai claims as “false information,” saying Cambodia had not retaliated even after being struck twice.
Heavy exchanges of fire have been reported across several flashpoints. Thai authorities claim Cambodia used artillery and BM-21 rockets in populated areas, and accused it of targeting a hospital—charges Cambodia refutes.
Thai officials say about 70% of civilians living near the border have been evacuated. One civilian reportedly died during the evacuation due to a pre-existing condition.
The renewed hostilities follow a string of landmine incidents. Last week, a Thai soldier lost his foot in an explosion, prompting Bangkok to accuse Cambodia of planting new mines along the frontier. Skirmishes have since spread to multiple provinces including Surin, Sa Kaeo, and Oddar Meanchey.
Analysts have warned that the October ceasefire agreement was always tenuous, with its failure to resolve the core issue of border demarcation.
The 100-year-old dispute—compounded by nationalist sentiment and competing claims to temple complexes—continues to drive cycles of violence, with no clear path to a durable settlement in sight.
Diplomatic relations have sharply deteriorated. Both countries expelled ambassadors last month, and military officials now warn of a potential wider escalation if hostilities persist.